WOMEN with Type 2 diabetes could cut their risk of heart attack or stroke by up to a third by taking a widely-used anti-cholesterol drug, says a study.

The new study shows that those suffering from type 2 diabetes could cut risk of stroke by a third [CULTURA/GETTY]

Fenofibrate was also found to reduce cardiovascular disease risks for men by 13 per cent.

The findings are the result of a five-year study monitoring the effects of the drug on 10,000 diabetes patients by researchers at Sydney University.

High cholesterol is a serious health problem in itself and is a leading risk factor for the build-up of circulating fats on the walls of blood vessels, which heightens the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

There isn’t enough evidence at this stage to support the use of fibrates for people with Type 2 diabetes. Guidance doesn’t recommend they are routinely prescribed and further research would be needed to question this

Dr Richard Elliott, of Diabetes UK, said: “There isn’t enough evidence at this stage to support the use of fibrates for people with Type 2 diabetes. Guidance doesn’t recommend they are routinely prescribed and further research would be needed to question this.”

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, three times more common than death from breast cancer.